Teacher Tips
Inclusion in the Art Room
By Jackie Ellett
Art Teacher
Duncan Creek Elementary School
Gwinnett County, GA
One of the most controversial topics in the field of education is the topic of inclusion. There are many who strongly oppose inclusion and many who vehemently support it. Why such strong feelings? Inclusion challenges our educational, social, and personal philosophies of individual worth; it questions who should and should not be educated within a "regular" classroom.
"Inclusion" refers to the placing of special education students in a regular education classroom. Rather than the child going to a self-contained classroom, the special education teacher comes to the child in a regular classroom. Sometimes a teacher assistant or a certified special education teacher remains in the regular classroom to help the child. The idea is that the student with special needs will benefit from being in the regular classroom around his or her peers. Special education students are usually placed after "earning" this opportunity by demonstrating that they are able to keep up with the work in the regular classroom.
As art teachers, we work daily with students of varying abilities. Due to the sheer volume of students we see, this can often be overwhelming. However, there are some things we can do to make sure that all of our students benefit from our art instruction. Communicate with classroom and special education teachers about expectations for their students. What is acceptable? What is not? What protocol is used to handle situations for specific children? If there is an assistant who stays with a child in the regular classroom, will they stay in the art room too?
Resources for Teaching Diversity
By Vicki Bean
President-Elect, Missouri Art Education Association
Does diversity mean equal time? The answer is YES! The future of our communities and students may depend upon it. Here are some of my favorite resources for teaching diversity to elementary and middle school students:
- "Our Friend, Martin" is a short, animated film about an African-American teenager named Miles, who goes on a field trip with his class to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The field trip turns into an exciting adventure when Miles and his best friend, Randy, are sent back in time to meet Martin Luther King at several points during his life. (Elementary/middle school level)
- "The Point" is an animated film that tells the story of Oblio, a round-headed boy living in the land of "Point." He is banished for being different but learns that everyone and everything has a point, even if it is not immediately apparent. (Elementary/middle school level)
For more lesson plans and ideas, check out the Teaching Tolerance Project. Teaching Tolerance is a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Teaching Tolerance resources include:
- The Teaching Diverse Students Initiative (TDSI) provides research-based resources for improving the teaching of racially and ethnically diverse students. (All levels)
- "Viva La Causa" introduces students to the Delano strike and grape boycott led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. The kit includes a 39-minute DVD and a teacher's guide with standards-based lesson plans. (Upper elementary – high school level)
- "CDs: Creating Direction" What if students had to articulate a "direction" or belief about prejudice through text and images? (Middle/high school level)